The Smart Project, a local non-profit organization focused on boosting artistic expression among Dallas youth, is partnering with The Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology at the University of Texas at Dallas to host weekly summer workshops.
Aspiring artists in 8th through 12th grade – many of whom attend schools in communities with limited resources – will be able to nurture their creative talents during two-hour, no-cost training sessions encompassing photography, digital media, and the visual arts hosted at the University’s Edith O’Donnell Arts and Technology Building (ATC).
Building on her Dallas upbringing and creative practitioner career, digital media artist Nitashia Johnson MFA’23 founded The Smart Project in 2015 to provide students with access to innovative resources, nurturing their untapped potential.
“The Smart Project is my appreciation for my community and the youth because they inspire me,” Johnson said. “It’s all about giving students options on where they can go with the passion they have. Every kid has a passion, but are you gonna be the person that mutes their passion, or are you gonna be the person that helps elevate their voices so their passion can lead the world?”
Since the inception of her art initiative, Johnson has collaborated with the South Dallas Cultural Center to equip the local youth with the essential tools for exploring and pursuing creative careers. This summer she is implementing summer workshops on the UT Dallas campus. “We are happy to support summer camps like The Smart Project and are excited about expanding dynamic programming opportunities like these to future Comets,” said Bass School Dean, Dr. Nils Roemer.
During workshops, young aspiring artists walk around the Bass School drawing on their sketchbooks, taking photos with their phones and cameras, playing with lighting and different angles, and bouncing ideas back and forth every Saturday in July, starting at 10 a.m. Johnson is currently working on printing and installing their work in the School’s ATC 3.102 gallery.
“We’re really excited about where The Smart Project can grow,” Johnson said. “Especially with the help of Dean Roemer and the Bass School at UT Dallas, and the South Dallas Cultural Center, we’re opening doors for students who deserve the same opportunities, who have creative passion, and can use this passion to change the world.”
To learn more about The Smart Project and to explore opportunities on how to get involved, visit their website: thesmartproject.org